By Own Correspondent
As funerals grow increasingly expensive, with attended services in Australia averaging $8,745 and larger events reaching up to $15,000, it’s become more important than ever for Australian families to protect themselves from being ripped off.
Not only do the exorbitant costs of a funeral warrant extra scrutiny and care, but falling prey to a scam can further compound the financial hardship, adding to the emotional toll on grieving families. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has noted a significant rise in complaints related to funeral services and pricing, highlighting the urgency of this issue.
Experts at Affordable Urns, who specialize in dealing with the loss of loved ones, shed light on common funeral scams and provide proactive measures that can help families protect themselves from exploitation.
Common Funeral Scams and How to Avoid Them
Grief harvesting is the practice of exploiting grieving families. Here are some examples and tips to avoid falling victim to such practices:
Inflated Costs for Services
Some funeral homes charge exorbitant prices for basic services, knowing families may not question the costs due to their emotional state.
“Make sure you ask for an itemized cost estimate for all services and products to ensure transparency,” the Affordable Urns team recommends.
Unnecessary Add-Ons
Funeral homes may persuade families to purchase add-ons or upgrades that are not needed, significantly increasing the overall cost.
Affordable Urns advises ,“Carefully review all contracts before signing, ensuring that all services, costs, and terms are clearly outlined and understood”.
Deceptive Sales Tactics
High-pressure sales tactics can lead families to make quick decisions without fully understanding their options or the associated costs.
Affordable Urns says that when confronted with this situation, “seek advice from trusted family members or financial advisors before making decisions to gain valuable insight and support.”
Prepaid Funeral Plan Fraud
Fraudulent companies may sell prepaid funeral plans but either disappear with the money or fail to deliver the promised services when needed.
“A good way to avoid this is to choose providers with a proven track record, verify their credentials, and ensure they are licensed and regulated.
The experts at Affordable Urns say “Grieving families deserve compassion and support, not exploitation.”
By staying informed and vigilant, families can protect themselves from funeral scams and ensure their loved ones are honored with dignity and respect.
